DUDLEY Zoo has clawed its way back to success after overcoming a number of setbacks.

DUDLEY Zoo has clawed its way back to success after overcoming a number of setbacks.

The Castle Hill complex had been hit by various problems over the past five years, including the 2001 outbreak of foot and mouth disease which led to weeks of closure.

Financial difficulties also saw a major upheaval in management.

Chief executive Peter Suddock said today 2005 had seen a major turnaround in fortunes, with changes to the animal collection, a boost in on-site shopping and increased visitor numbers.

"Throughout 2005, we have gone from strength to strength and have seen visitor figures increase by 15 per cent," he said.

"Retail sales are going well, animal adoptions are up and we have had a successful breeding season with some of the most endangered animals in the world, including triplet Sumatran tiger cubs.

"The collection has also changed with the addition of new animals like gibbons and mongoose, and we have made physical alterations on site in the shape of new enclosures which have been mostly designed and constructed by our own in-house team.

"The newly-opened Lemur Wood has not only received national acclaim but also attracted visitors from all over Europe."

Mr Suddock said zoo bosses had received outline planning permission for a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme to help transform the site into one of the world's top tourist attractions.

"There are several exciting plans in the pipeline for 2006 and we cannot wait to get started."

Meanwhile, the zoo had a bumper turnout for its Santa's Magic Castle Christmas grotto with more than 6,000 youngsters visiting Father Christmas - up 20 per cent on last year.

"Alongside the grotto, our marketing department has been working flat out trying to cope with the extra demand in animal adoptions, which were coming in at the rate of dozens a day," said Mr Suddock.